Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in NYC

A gentle, affordable first step toward pregnancy. Personalized IUI treatment at our Columbus Circle fertility center.

Hopeful couple considering IUI fertility treatment in NYC

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a gentle, low-cost fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. Often called artificial insemination, IUI bypasses potential cervical barriers and positions sperm closer to the egg, thereby improving the chances of fertilization.

As a less invasive alternative to IVF, IUI is frequently recommended as a first-line treatment for couples experiencing unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility. At New Hope Fertility in NYC, we help patients determine whether IUI is the right starting point for their fertility journey.

How Does the IUI Procedure Work?

The IUI process involves careful timing and preparation to optimize your chances of pregnancy.

Before the Procedure: Our fertility team monitors your cycle through blood tests and ultrasounds to identify optimal timing. You may take oral medications like Clomid or letrozole to stimulate ovulation, or proceed with a natural cycle. Once follicles reach ideal size, you receive a trigger shot that causes ovulation within 36 hours.

Day of Procedure: Your partner provides a fresh semen sample, or frozen donor sperm is thawed. The lab “washes” the sperm, concentrating the healthiest, most motile sperm while removing seminal fluid. During a quick, painless office visit, our doctor will use a thin catheter to place the prepared sperm directly into your uterus through the cervix. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes and feels similar to a Pap smear.

After IUI: Most patients return to normal activities immediately. About 14 days later, you will return for a pregnancy test.

Who Is a Candidate for IUI?

IUI treatment is recommended for:

Same-sex couples and single parents using donor sperm
Women under 35 unable to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse
Women over 35 unable to conceive after six months of trying
Mild male factor infertility, including low sperm count or poor motility
Cervical mucus problems or issues preventing sperm from reaching the uterus
Irregular ovulation in conjunction with timed intercourse
Unexplained infertility when other causes have been ruled out

During your initial consultation at our NYC fertility center, our doctors will recommend diagnostic testing to rule out structural reproductive problems like blocked fallopian tubes. Once we understand your complete fertility picture, we will create a customized IUI treatment plan.

IUI Success Rates and Treatment Duration

Depending on age, IUI gives women an extra 10-20% chance of pregnancy compared to timed intercourse alone:

Women under 35: 10-15% chance per cycle
Women 35-40: 10% chance per cycle
Women over 40: 2-5% chance per cycle

At New Hope Fertility NYC, our doctors recommend 3 to 4 IUI cycles for women with good ovarian reserve experiencing unexplained infertility. If pregnancy does not occur after 3-4 cycles, we generally recommend transitioning to IVF, which offers higher success rates.

Success depends on ovarian reserve quality, sperm parameters, underlying diagnosis, and use of ovulation medications.

How Much Does IUI Cost in NYC?

IUI is more affordable than IVF, making it an accessible first-step fertility treatment. Cost includes cycle monitoring (ultrasounds and blood work), sperm preparation and washing, the insemination procedure, and ovulation medications if needed.

Natural cycle IUI costs less than medicated cycles, while donor sperm involves additional fees. Insurance coverage varies by plan. For detailed pricing information and payment options, visit our Cost page or schedule a consultation.

IUI vs. IVF: Which Is Right for You?

IUI is generally recommended as a first step for younger patients with unexplained infertility, mild male factor issues, cervical problems, or donor sperm recipients with no other fertility concerns.

IVF may be more appropriate for blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, advanced maternal age (over 35), multiple failed IUI cycles, or when genetic testing of embryos is needed.

Read our IUI vs IVF comparison guide to understand the differences in procedure, success rates, and costs.

New Hope Fertility: Your IUI Clinic in NYC

Our Columbus Circle fertility center is conveniently located in Manhattan, easily accessible from Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, and throughout the tri-state area. We combine cutting-edge technology with personalized treatment protocols customized to your unique fertility profile, age, and diagnosis.

Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists have helped thousands of patients achieve pregnancy through IUI and other fertility treatments. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all care. Your IUI protocol is tailored specifically to your needs.

“We did three rounds of IUI just because my insurance required it before moving to IVF. Once we decided to move to IVF, we did an egg retrieval and then the implantation. Now we are nearing the end of our first trimester.”

IUI Patient, Age 36

“Dr. Makarov was great and very helpful, took the time to explain things both intuitively and with clear details. I felt seen, understood and cared by her. She helped me get pregnant again after a pregnancy loss in 2024. She personally did 2 of the 3 IUI procedures.”

IUI Patient, Age 37

“I found Dr. Makarov incredibly professional with great expertise and flexibility. I went through two successful cycles – IUI when I was 41 and IVF when I was 43. She was always available if needed and I trusted her decision-making. At the end of the day I had two successful and uncomplicated pregnancies.”

IUI Patient, Age 42

FAQs: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What is the difference between IUI and IVF?

IUI involves placing sperm into the uterus around ovulation and relies on natural fertilization and embryo development. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in the laboratory, and transferring an embryo into the uterus, allowing for greater control and selection.

How many IUI cycles are usually recommended?

Because pregnancy rates per IUI cycle are modest, many clinicians recommend reassessing treatment after 3 to 4 cycles, depending on age and diagnosis. If pregnancy has not occurred, IVF may be discussed as a next step.

Does IUI require fertility medications?

IUI can be performed in a natural cycle or combined with ovulation-induction medications. The decision depends on ovulation patterns, ovarian reserve, and the overall treatment plan.

What are the success rates for IUI?

IUI success rates vary widely based on age, sperm quality, and underlying fertility factors. Studies suggest an average pregnancy rate of approximately 10–20% per cycle in appropriately selected patients.

Is IUI painful or invasive?

IUI is a minimally invasive procedure and typically causes little discomfort. Most patients describe it as similar to a routine gynecologic exam and resume normal activities the same day.

Start Your IUI Journey

IUI offers a less invasive, more affordable path to pregnancy for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor issues, or those using donor sperm. At New Hope Fertility, we customize every IUI protocol to your specific needs to maximize your chances of success.

Learn more about IUI:

If you are ready to speak with our fertility specialists, schedule a consultation or give us a call today. We are here to help!